If you are one of my regular blog readers, I bet you are scratching your head over this book recommendation. Though, trust me. It's all right. I haven't completely lost it from doing re-writes for my publisher. This is going to make great pren-her reading room sense. So read on!
Do you know P. D. Eastman’s much beloved children’s book Are You My Mother? Whether you do or not, this would be a great time to head to your local library and take a read.
It’s a wonderful story about a greatly confused baby bird who hatches from his egg while his mother is out scratching around for food. Because he hatches alone, with no siblings in site, the poor little guy can’t figure out who he is. He doesn’t know his identity because his mother was away when he appeared on the scene, and as a consequence, he had missed the whole experience of imprinting.
Throughout the story, he (could be she, we aren’t really sure) walks around meeting various insects, animals, and moving objects while searching for his mother. Though, no matter who he meets or what he asks, the answer is always the same, “No, dear, I am not your mother.” Soon, the baby bird starts feeling anxious and begins to panic. “Are you my mother? Are you my mother?” he urgently asks. “No, I am not your mother.” Finally, the baby bird does find his mother and the story ends happily. Although for a time, it was uncertain as to whether he would.
If you have just recently become an accidental pren-her, or are just beginning to think about becoming a small business owner, then I know you can relate to that lost, alone, confused baby bird. I know I could when I first started out. (See how the book relates now?)
Besides trying to decide what kind of small business I wanted to start, I also didn't know other things! Did I want to become a freelancer? Maybe a consultant. How about an entrepreneur? And while we're at it, what's the difference? These are all very big "who am I questions," and often the way we deal with them is by looking outside ourselves for the answers.
That's a good place to start. Just like the baby bird in the story, look around. Go for a walk about, as my Australian friends so easily advise. Begin by seeing what you most easily resonate and relate to. Before long, you will know who your mother is.
The original Accidental Pren-her™

A book that triggers fond memories of my own search to discover who my mother REALLY was and the importance of family in the journey. Also, isn't it wonderful tobe able to go out into the vast spaces of the world and yet still want, and need, to come home and tuck our head under the wing of someone we love.
Posted by: Original Samurai Teddy Bear | May 22, 2007 at 11:17 PM
Indeed, Original Samurai Teddy Bear, the importance of family can not be understated. They are part-n-parcel of the inner Samurai journey. Both a place to come home to and go away from.
Posted by: The original Accidental Pren-her | May 23, 2007 at 04:43 AM